Michigan football scandal: Analyst calls out media manipulation

The hits just seem to keep on coming for Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines heading into Week 10 of the 2023 regular season. Still, in the midst of speculation and rumors regarding the sign-stealing allegations that are facing the University of Michigan right now, national analyst Tim Brando of FOX Sports calls out the “media manipulation” that is happening in regard to the reporting on the Michigan football scandal.

National sports analyst calls out media manipulation in Michigan football scandal

Reports, rumors, and speculation — social media and sports talk shows are full of these in regards to Michigan football and the sign-stealing allegations right now. Still, Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines are likely going to get their chance to finish the 2023 season, despite what much of Twitter is saying right now.

Tim Brando, a national sports figure for FOX Sports, took some time yesterday to call out the “media manipulation” surrounding the Michigan football sign-stealing scandal. Below is what he had to say on Twitter as the Wolverines gear up for a crucial four-game stretch to close out the season — one which includes games against No. 11 Penn State and No. 1 Ohio State leading up to the Big Ten title game and College Football Playoff.

“Anyone watching this (Michigan football) scandal should be able to see the media’s manipulation of this with its recent stories out this morning,” Tim Brando wrote. “Lemme begin this soliloquy with the understanding that anonymous sources have forever been part of journalism. How information is gathered is of no consequence to me, however, context is also important. It’s clear (Big Ten) coaches and most others are pissed over the perceived competitive advantages (Head Coach Jim Harbaugh) is alleged to have had this season. We get it. They’re baiting new Commissioner Tony Petitti to act on his own without Michigan having received a Notice of Allegation which starts a 90-day clock for the University (of Michigan) to legally respond. This is called due process, but remember this isn’t a court of law, so if the Commissioner wishes to acquiesce, it’s his jurisdiction.”

“… The media can keep its NCAA back-channeling of leaks alive through November and effectively ignore the most enjoyable part of the CFB season, and I suspect they will. It’s my opinion it won’t change a thing. Commissioners do need to use this as an example of how the further they get away from the NCAA, the better, and the quicker they take control of the governance of CFB, the sooner the sports image and day-to-day operations will improve!”

Amid sign-stealing scandal, Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines ready for crucial four-game stretch

This weekend, Michigan football and Jim Harbaugh are slated to face Purdue — the team’s second-to-last home game of the season and Michigan’s final game at the Big House before a Week 13 matchup against Ohio State. Perhaps more importantly, the Wolverines will face Penn State in Happy Valley next weekend in a game that will largely influence the landscape of the College Football Playoff and Big Ten title race this fall.

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